Physiognomy and the Reading of Character in Our Mutual Friend.

Physiognomy in literature; Our Mutual Friend (Book : Dickens); Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870; Literary characters; Facial expression in literature

The article focuses on the use of physiognomy and its deciphering in Charles Dickens' novel "Our Mutual Friend." Dickens used a schematic method in the novel of perceiving and judging other characters that must not be confused with intelligent reading of facial features. Based on the article, the words "face" or "countenance" appear in all chapters like reference to character Lizzie Hexam's face and her father's countenance. Character Riah reads facial expressions based on prior knowledge.